Research on adult health and behavior. Covers suicide risk, regulated psilocybin, alcohol and cannabis use, and family and life choices.
A study reveals that racial differences in gut microbiome composition arise after 3 months of age and persist through childhood. Early social and environmental exposures play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome, with research suggesting that environmental and social factors contribute to health disparities.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people who experience pain after a heart attack are more likely to die within the next 8.5 years. The study analyzed data from over 18,300 adults who had a heart attack and found that moderate or extreme pain was linked to a higher mortality risk.
Adults increasingly perceive daily cannabis smoking as safer than tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure, despite existing science suggesting otherwise. This survey study of 5,035 adults found a significant shift in perceptions over four years.
A network meta-analysis found that breathing training combined with aerobic exercise, and yoga training, enhance lung function in adults with asthma. The study highlights the importance of integrating appropriate exercise training into asthma management plans.
A two-year NIH-funded study led by Penn State associate research professor Ashley Linden-Carmichael examines the next-day effects of heavy drinking on young adults' daily cognitive functioning. The study will collect intensive self-reported data from 250 participants to explore the impact of alcohol use on memory and other cognitive fu...
A study of 15,000 adults found that alcohol consumption and risky drinking behaviors were prevalent among cancer survivors. The findings highlight the need for additional research to address the emerging concern of alcohol consumption in cancer patients.
A randomized crossover trial involving 195 adults showed that using a regular cuff size resulted in inaccurate BP readings. The study emphasizes the need for individualized cuff selection to ensure accurate blood pressure measurements.
Approximately 1 in 5 adults with past-year opioid use disorder received medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), highlighting disparities in uptake. MOUD disparities affect Black adults, women, unemployed individuals, and those in nonmetropolitan areas.
A study published in Stroke found significant disparities in stroke risk factors between Black and non-Black adults. However, after one year of intensive medical intervention, some risk factors were reduced in Black adults.
Research analyzed seven international studies and found a continuous increase in blood pressure measures with both low and high alcohol intake. Low levels of alcohol consumption were linked to detectable increases in blood pressure levels, which may lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's patients exhibit heightened sensitivity to light changes, which can contribute to 'sundowning' and disease progression. Light therapy could help manage these symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.
A world-first study from the University of South Australia exposes the real weight gains of everyday Australians, finding that weight fluctuates throughout the year. The study highlights the importance of targeting temporal hot spots to curb unhealthy weight fluctuations and prevent unwanted weight gain.
A study of 22,000 adults found that small amounts of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity were associated with a lower incident cancer risk. This finding suggests that daily vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity may be a promising intervention for cancer prevention in populations unable or unmotivated to exercise.
Research highlights an unexpected disparity in survival for Asian adults compared to white adults in the US, with lower survival rates despite comparable bystander CPR rates. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from nearly 279,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Researchers discovered that adult and aged mice demonstrated improved performance in behavioral tasks after environmental enrichment, with MSK1 playing a vital role. The study highlights the importance of MSK1 in converting positive experiences into cognitive benefits across the lifespan.
A study found that US adults with radicular low back pain receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain had significantly lower odds of being prescribed gabapentin. The odds ratio was 0.53, indicating a meaningful reduction in gabapentin use among patients who received chiropractic care.
A study of 538,000 deaths in Florida and Ohio between March 2020 and December 2021 found significant excess mortality among Republican voters compared to Democratic voters. The disparity suggests differences in vaccination attitudes and uptake may have influenced pandemic severity and trajectory.
A national study of over 835,000 people found that bisexual individuals experience poorer health outcomes, particularly long-term physical and mental health problems. Bisexual women reported better health outcomes, while LGB groups across genders felt less confident in managing their own health.
Researchers found that a combination of exercise and cognitive training significantly improved cognition in adults with mild cognitive impairment. Vitamin D supplementation had no impact on cognitive function.
A study of 2,226 US participants found significant racial differences in post-retirement cognitive decline. White men experienced the most pronounced decline, whereas Black women showed minimal loss. College attendance was linked to greater cognitive decline after retirement.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents under 20 years old, citing insufficient evidence. This recommendation is consistent with its 2016 guidelines for preventive care services.
This study found that better sleep architecture and the absence of obstructive sleep apnea were associated with improved global cognition over a five-year follow-up. The findings suggest that interventions to improve sleep may be crucial for maintaining cognitive function in adults.
A new study published in Circulation journal found that Black adults living in areas historically affected by discriminatory housing practices had a higher heart failure risk. The analysis included over 2.3 million adults from 2014-2019 and mapped historical redlining maps onto modern day maps of US zip codes.
Research reveals e-cigarettes carry potential health risks, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of e-cigarette use on the heart and lungs.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University found that parent attitudes about politics can predict subsequent increases in adolescent child political alienation. In households where parents and adolescents are close, parents transmit political apathy to their children, which may contribute to low youth voter participation.
A significant rise in ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions was observed in the UK over the past two decades, with a higher increase among adults. The study found that ADHD was more commonly diagnosed in children and boys than girls and women, and that the number of individuals receiving medication for ADHD increased significantly.
A study of 10,000 Australians found that engaging in frequent adult literacy activities and active mental pursuits was associated with lower dementia risk over 10 years. In contrast, social outings did not show a significant association.
Opioid toxicity-related deaths in the US increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1 in every 22 deaths attributable to unintentional opioid toxicity. This trend highlights the urgent need for support people at risk of substance-related harm, particularly men and younger adults.
A new study found that people with low incomes in states that expanded Medicaid received more preventive care and overall health care compared to those in non-expansion states. The likelihood of high-value care, such as medications for heart problems or osteoporosis, increased in expansion states.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between food insecurity and accelerated memory decline in middle to older-age individuals. The researchers suggest that exposure to food insecurity in older age may have long-term negative effects on cognitive function.
Researchers found that while parents and educators recognize the benefits of nature play, they struggle with certain aspects, particularly risk. A key move will be to boost educators' knowledge about nature-based learning to promote enabling factors.
A randomized controlled trial found that time-restricted eating produced similar weight loss results to traditional calorie counting in a racially diverse population of adults with obesity. Participants who engaged in 8-hour time-restricted eating had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those in the control group.
A new study found that feelings of loneliness were less common in people who reported a purposeful life, regardless of their age. The study, which surveyed over 2,300 adults in Switzerland, found a slight uptick in reports of loneliness for people in their 70s and beyond.
The study found that COVID-19-era policy improvements in adult overall health and household nutrition resulted from the 2021 Child Tax Credit monthly payments. Cash transfers may effectively address adult health issues and enhance food security
Once-weekly Icodec demonstrated superior HbA1c reduction compared to once-daily Degludec after 26 weeks, but no difference was found in weight change. However, Icodec showed a higher rate of combined level two or three hypoglycemic events
The expanded Child Tax Credit led to significant improvements in adult health and nutrition, with eligible adults reporting better health outcomes and food security compared to ineligible adults. The study estimates that this policy may have benefited approximately 1.08 million adults and 684,000 households.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
The study found that lung cancer screening rates among eligible adults in Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, and Rhode Island increased in 2021 compared to 2019. Consistent with prior studies, the likelihood of lung cancer screening was higher among individuals with a primary health professional
Researchers found that mentalizing scores increase gradually over time, peaking in young adulthood, with females consistently outperforming males. The study also discovered significant positive correlations between mentalizing capacity and personality traits such as Agreeableness, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness.
The USPSTF recommends regular screening for depression in the adult population to address its significant impact on daily functioning. Major depressive disorder can lead to increased mortality if left untreated.
This study found that housing insecurity during childhood is associated with anxiety and depression symptoms later in life, including depression in adulthood. Social policies supporting secure housing may be a crucial prevention strategy for these mental health issues.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for anxiety disorders in older adults. Anxiety disorders are commonly occurring mental health conditions often unrecognized in primary care settings, leading to substantial delays in treatment initiation.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) disproportionately affects Black adults, with higher rates of diagnosis and poor outcomes. Low-cost, routine testing can help reduce disparities and health care costs by identifying individuals at risk and providing preventive measures.
A recent study published in the journal Autism found that the relationship between the age at which someone gets diagnosed with autism and their quality of life is not strongly linked. Instead, factors such as household income, sex, ethnicity, and mental health conditions played a more significant role in determining overall quality of...
Interventions with wearable activity trackers increased physical activity levels, reduced sedentary behavior, and improved physical functioning in hospitalized adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies and 1,900 participants supports the use of wearable technology to enhance patient outcomes.
In 2021, 9.6 million Americans had diabetic retinopathy and 1.84 million had vision-threatening forms. The number of people living with diabetes-related eye disease has grown since the last prevalence estimate in 2004.
A new study found that food allergy affects all racial and ethnic groups, but is most prevalent among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and Asian individuals. Food allergy rates are also lower in households with higher incomes.
Only one in four US adolescent residential addiction treatment facilities offer buprenorphine and one in eight offer it for ongoing treatment. Nearly two-thirds of adult residential facilities provide this medication, highlighting a significant gap in care for adolescents.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open explores the association between adverse childhood experiences and epigenetic aging in midlife. The research found that early life experiences can accelerate biological aging, which may contribute to various health outcomes in middle-age adults.
The new scientific statement highlights the importance of identifying the root cause of pediatric cardiomyopathy to develop effective treatment strategies. Genetic testing is recommended for all children with cardiomyopathy, which may lead to financial and emotional cost savings.
A study found that autistic individuals who experience Medicaid coverage disruptions are more likely to receive an intellectual disability diagnosis later. This could be due to the fact that autism diagnoses alone may not be sufficient for retaining Medicaid coverage in states without specific criteria.
A study of US adults found that fewer than 1 in 4 use wearable devices to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease, with inconsistent daily use among those who do. This disparity may worsen health inequalities unless strategies are implemented to promote equitable adoption of these tools.
A new analysis of nearly 6,000 people found that childhood cognitive ability is associated with better scores on measures of wealth in adulthood, but the relationship varies for different financial measures. The study also discovered an inverted U-shape relationship between cognitive ability and debt levels.
A new study found that most adults with Type 2 diabetes in Alabama Medicaid did not receive follow-up healthcare within the recommended two-week period after a heart failure hospitalization. African American and Hispanic adults were particularly affected, with worse follow-up care compared to white adults.
Late-onset cognitive impairment emerged in adult childhood cancer survivors decades after diagnosis and treatment. Modifiable health behaviors and chronic health conditions significantly increase this risk.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that elevated levels of two protein biomarkers associated with heart damage were linked to undetected or symptomless cardiovascular disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed health information and blood samples from over 10,300 adults and foun...
A study of 4,260 adults found that smoking cessation was associated with improved anxiety and depression outcomes. Sustained cessation for at least 15 weeks showed promise as a strategy for improving mental health in this population.
A recent study published in GeroScience found that a moderate-protein diet (25% and 35%) improved metabolic health in both young and middle-aged mice. The researchers also observed reduced blood glucose concentrations and lipid levels in liver and plasma. A balanced diet with moderate protein intake may promote metabolic health in huma...
A recent study of 30,465 adults without a history of heart attack or dementia found that those who experienced an MI had a faster rate of decline in global cognition, memory, and executive function compared to those without an MI. The study suggests that preventing heart attacks may be crucial for maintaining long-term brain health.
Metabolic and bariatric surgery use among US youth increased significantly from 2020 to 2021, rising by 50% compared to pre-pandemic years. Adults saw a decline in MBS rates during the same period, highlighting shifts in healthcare access and utilization.